Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson has shared his "shock" reaction to the news that Gregory Finnegan had reprised his role as James Nightingale, with the return set to have ramifications for Ste Hay.
It was revealed during Wednesday's (15 October) episode of the Channel 4 soap that James had miraculously survived the devastating car explosion that occurred just before the series' time-jump in 2024.
Darren Osborne is currently the only person to know that James was in fact still alive, though he kept the matter a secret as he needed some money as part of his own storyline with Warren Fox and Tony Hutchinson.
James's husband Ste will no doubt discover the truth at some point, but for now, you'll have to make do with Richardson being told that Finnegan will reprise his role after a year-long absence from the soap.
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"We need to talk about that - did we expect it?" Richardson asked co-stars Ellis Hollins and Ruby O'Donnell on the Hollyoaks Unwrapped podcast, with the latter replying: "Absolutely not. It's such a shock."
"Is he real? Is he a ghost? Darren was drunk. What's going on? I think it's probably one of the most shocking moments of the year so far. It's certainly something I wasn't expecting," added Richardson.
While we'll have to wait until Ste and James reunite, Finnegan shared a statement following his unannounced return, saying: "Turns out rumours of James' demise were... greatly exaggerated. He's always been one for a dramatic exit – and an even better entrance!
"Coming back for Hollyoaks' 30th has been an absolute joy, and I'm blown away (pun intended) by the fans' amazing reaction. Here's to unfinished business, old habits, and a few more surprises yet to come... #FlightOfTheNightingale"
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"I joined @hollyoaksofficial a week after their 20th anniversary and I departed in the run up to the show turning 30 years old… it was a helluva ride," he said on Instagram.
"[I] want to wish all the Cast, crew & incredible fans a wonderful and well deserved week of celebrations - looks like she’s not done surprising and delighting us just yet."
Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.
Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.
Read more Hollyoaks spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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